Diocese of La Ceiba
The Diocese of La Ceiba, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the Ecclesiastical Province of Tegucigalpa serving the northern coastal region of Honduras. Erected on 30 December 1987 by Pope John Paul II, it ministers to a growing Catholic population amid diverse communities along the Caribbean coast. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Henry B. Echeverría, appointed in 2023, and maintains a focus on pastoral care, education, and evangelization in a historically Protestant-influenced area.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of La Ceiba
| Diocese: Diocese of La Ceiba | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Tegucigalpa |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Tegucigalpa |
| Country: | Honduras |
| Region: | Atlántida |
| Bishop: | Henry B. Echeverría |
| Website: | https://diocesisdelaceiba.org |
| Catholic %: | 65.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 12 |
| High Schools: | 3 |
| Deaneries: | 4 |
| Priests: | 45 |
| Existence: | 1987– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 1 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Barrio El Centro, La Ceiba, Atlántida, Honduras |
Establishment
The Diocese of La Ceiba was established on 30 December 1987 by Pope John Paul II to serve the growing Catholic population in the northern coastal areas of Honduras, carved from territory previously under the Archdiocese of Tegucigalpa.
History
The diocese developed rapidly following its erection, with initial efforts centered on establishing parishes and schools in the port city of La Ceiba and surrounding rural zones. Boundary adjustments occurred in subsequent decades to accommodate population growth and missionary outreach along the Caribbean coast.
Geography
The diocese covers the department of Atlántida in northern Honduras, including the municipalities of La Ceiba, Tela, and surrounding coastal and inland communities.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Saint Isidore the Laborer in La Ceiba serves as the diocese’s mother church, a modern structure dedicated to the patron saint of the city.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Henry B. Echeverría has served since 2023. A native of Honduras with prior experience in parish ministry, he emphasizes youth formation and social outreach.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops currently serve in the diocese.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga | 1987–1993 | First bishop; later became Archbishop of Tegucigalpa. |
| Luis Alfonso Santos | 1993–2005 | Oversaw expansion of parishes and schools. |
| Michael Lenihan | 2005–2023 | Focused on coastal evangelization; transferred to another see. |
| Henry B. Echeverría | 2023–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices including occasional traditional elements, equal attention to doctrinal teachings and community outreach programs, and leadership that prioritizes pastoral stability.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 4,000 square miles (10,360 km²), serves around 250,000 registered Catholics across 25 parishes, and has a total population of approximately 400,000.
Religious Communities
Franciscans
The Franciscans assist with parish ministry and education in several coastal communities.
Parishes
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The diocese organizes its 25 parishes into four deaneries covering urban and rural zones of Atlántida department.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 15 Catholic schools providing primary and secondary education.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs support families through food assistance, health services, and disaster relief in hurricane-prone areas.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese hosted its first diocesan synod in 2015 to address pastoral priorities.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of La Ceiba:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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